Traversing 150 miles between San Diego and Yuma, Arizona, Historic Highway 80 winds its way through the scenic, chaparral-covered rolling hills of San Diego’s East County, coming to an end on the Pacific peninsula of Point Loma. Along this nostalgic route there are several charming towns and roadside wonders worth exploring.
1. Desert View Tower
Located on the easternmost portion of the highway, the 70-foot high Desert View Tower, built in 1922 as a tribute to early pioneers, welcomes travelers starting their Highway 80 road trip. In addition to breathtaking views of the desert floor below, the tower features a quirky Americana museum and boulder garden filled with whimsical painted animal rock carvings.
2. Jacumba Hot Springs
Soak in the scenery, as well as in the natural hot springs, at Jacumba Hot Springs, a small oasis featuring two pools of mineral water high in sodium, calcium and magnesium, believed to have healing properties for the body.
3. Olaf Wieghorst Western Heritage Center
Giddyup to the Olaf Wieghorst Western Heritage Center in El Cajon, paying tribute to artist Olaf Wieghorst, the "Dean of Western Art," who lived in San Diego for more than 40 years. The museum exhibits dozens of his paintings portraying the 19th century American West, including cowboys, Native Americans and settlers.
4. La Mesa Village
La Mesa Village has unique businesses to explore including art galleries, antique shops, clothing stores, cozy cafes and a variety of restaurants to help you fuel up for the journey ahead. Traveling with little ones? Climb aboard the powerful locomotive parked at the free La Mesa Depot Museum, the city's oldest building in its original form and the sole surviving station from the San Diego-Cuyamaca Railway.
5. El Cajon Boulevard
Cruise on to El Cajon Boulevard, the historic stretch of road that originally connected San Diego's East County to the water. Much like the past, today the boulevard is lined with restaurants, shops and the historic Lafayette Hotel & Swim Club. Stop by and order a local beer from one of the recently opened breweries along the boulevard.
6. Balboa Park
Continue the road trip to the cultural heart of San Diego, Balboa Park. Explore the 17 museums, walk through the numerous gardens, take in the amazing architecture and make some time for a visit to the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
7. Cabrillo National Monument
End where modern day California began: Cabrillo National Monument, the western end point for the historic Highway 80. Take in the ocean and bay views from multiple outlook points, step back in time at the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and learn the history of Juan Rodríquez Cabrillo all at San Diego's only national park.
Lucky Bonus - Casino Action
Try you luck at two popular casinos offering exciting gaming action just off the highway: Viejas Casino & Resort, which also features outlet shopping, bowling and outdoor concerts, and Golden Acorn Casino & Travel Center.
Find a place to stay
Book online or call 1-800-350-6205 to speak with a local expert
Whether celebrating a special occasion or just because, a picnic can be a romantic date with a special someone or a fun family outing. San Diego's wide-open spaces, dazzling waterfront views, and beautiful parks offer the perfect setting for a lovely escapade or quality family time. And with many San Diego restaurants offering delicious take-out options, it's easy to plan the perfect picnic.
Grab your blanket, order take-out, and head out to one of these seven San Diego picnic spots.
Discover
Bird Watching
Birding in San Diego
A field guide
With some of the best birding in the country, birders from around the globe flock to San Diego. Here's a list of favorite spots to see feathered friends along the coast, inland foothills, canyons, mountains and deserts.
Discover
Tours & Sightseeing
First Timer Trips to San Diego
Special 1-day itinerary highlights top attractions
To help you make the most of a first-time visit to San Diego, we've developed a special daylong itinerary highlighting some of the city's top attractions.
Discover
Biking
Cycling Along San Diego Bay
From the Gaslamp to historic Liberty Station
The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition's recommended route incorporates almost six miles one way of flat, scenic bike paths along the northeast corner of San Diego Bay. With the exception of one short section and the easy going roads of Liberty Station, this bike route is vehicle free.
See the best of San Diego with the best tour company in the city. Take a private city tour to get a terrific lay of the land, to see our dramatic ocean views, and to visit our historic landmark,...
BOOK A CHAUFFEURED WINERY TOUR for the New Year and celebrate with the experts.
AND get a Special FREE GIFT!
TOURS RUN DAILY, Year round.
Visit custom-appointed wineries...
Uncork the Savings: Enjoy 10% Off Your Private Winery Tour to Valle de Guadalupe from San Diego!
Escape to the enchanting Valle de Guadalupe and indulge in a wine lover's paradise with our...
The spirit, sounds and flavors of southwest Louisiana come alive at the largest and most-authentic Louisiana-themed music and food festival this side of the bayou. With everything from A to Zydeco,...
The Fort Rosecrans Memorial Day celebration is one of San Diego's largest and most celebrated memorials dedicated to our fighting men and women. On this day we honor all of our fallen soldiers and...
Join us for an unforgettable experience on the water! Our kayak cleanups combine adventure and environmental stewardship as we paddle through local wetlands in South Bay San Diego, removing marine...
Like what you see? Share with your friends, family, and the world!
Stay in touch
Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination.